The Garden of Illusions

A realm of twilight shimmered before Ren Zian as he stepped through the glowing portal. The air thickened with enchantment. Silken vines spiraled across marble archways, and flowers whispered secrets in a language only ancient gods understood.

He had arrived in the Garden of Illusions — a domain ruled by the second heroine of this arc, Lady Miralyn, a celestial priestess whose powers guarded a potent Divine Flame. But she wasn't alone. Alongside her stood a silver-haired man clad in heavenly armor, wielding a blade inscribed with the crest of the Sky Order.

The villain-hero of this arc: Thalor Veyne.

Ren's system pinged sharply.

[New Objective: Break through Lady Miralyn's Illusions. Defeat Thalor Veyne. Intimacy Level: 0% → 100% to Unlock Divine Flame: Ember Rebirth. Unique Skill: Phoenix Step.]

Thalor turned, eyes blazing. "So, you're the Chaos-Blessed scum who's been leeching off the Goddesses. You don't deserve their powers."

Miralyn's gaze flickered between them, serene but troubled. "You both are summoned by fate, but only one shall remain. My heart shall choose the worthy one."

Ren narrowed his gaze. He could feel the realm pressing into his mind, pulling his thoughts into illusions. Already the garden shimmered unnaturally.

"Trial begins," Miralyn whispered, vanishing into golden mist.

Suddenly, a dozen shadowed versions of Thalor appeared, circling Ren. The garden twisted, blooming walls forming a labyrinth. Ren spun into motion, unsheathing his twin blades, Azure Reign and Voidfang.

Each step he took became heavier, as if walking through memories. An illusion tried to pull him into a moment from his past — Lyra's soft kiss under starlight — but he roared and slashed through it.

"This place wants me to weaken," he muttered. "But I've tasted chaos. I bend it to my will."

He channeled his system-enhanced Qi into Voidfang. The weapon shimmered with anti-illusion essence, dispelling the first layer of deceit. Four of the Thalors shattered.

"Impressive," the real Thalor called from atop a spiraling tree. "But you're still a mortal raised by chaos. You'll never understand divine discipline."

Ren leapt, blades gleaming, reaching Thalor mid-air.

Clang!

Steel met steel in a dazzling explosion of blue and silver light. Sparks ignited the sky. Ren spun mid-air, twisting into a Phoenix Arc Slash — a technique gained from Lyra — but Thalor blocked with ease.

"You use women to grow stronger," Thalor growled. "I serve and protect them. We are not the same."

"You're right," Ren smirked. "You worship from afar. I understand them."

A burst of crimson flame erupted from Ren's chest — residual essence from his last bond with Lyra — empowering his strike. Thalor was blasted back into a flower statue, shattering it.

Ren landed, panting, his system pulsing.

[Illusion Barrier 70% broken. Emotional Influence: Declining. System Resistance: Strengthening.]

But the garden wasn't done. Vines erupted, binding Ren's arms. A mirror appeared, showing his past sins — Sariel's tearful departure, Aravielle's final whisper. The weight of guilt clawed at his heart.

"I will not break," Ren growled. "I carry them with me. I don't run from the cost of power."

He bit into his tongue, letting blood fall onto the vines. His Chaos Blood reacted violently, corrupting the illusionary roots and burning them to ash. The mirror cracked, then exploded.

[Illusion Barrier 100% shattered. Trial Phase Two Initiated.]

Miralyn reappeared — this time in her divine form. Gossamer robes flowed around her ethereal frame. Her silver-gold eyes regarded Ren with awe and curiosity.

"You severed your pain from illusion... not by denying it, but by owning it," she whispered.

Ren walked forward, bruised but unbowed. "I'm not here to impress you with speeches. I came for your power — and the right to walk beside you."

Thalor rose again, wounded but livid. "No! You won't touch her!"

He unleashed his final technique — Sky Annihilation Blade. The very realm cracked. But Ren gripped Azure Reign and Voidfang together.

"Chaos Art: Twin Void Severance!"

Their attacks clashed in midair. Reality warped — trees uprooted, petals frozen in midair. A divine burst silenced everything.

When the dust cleared, Thalor's sword lay broken.

He staggered, clutching his chest. Miralyn stepped between them. "Enough."

She walked to Ren, placing a hand on his chest. "You faced your guilt. You fought for truth. I grant you access… to me."

The garden shimmered again — but this time with desire. Ren and Miralyn stood alone beneath the Moonshade Tree. Her lips hovered close.

"You may claim what you have earned… but know, intimacy with me is also a bond of soul. Not just flesh."

Ren leaned in, whispering, "Then let our souls burn together."

Their lips met.

[New Power Acquired: Divine Flame – Ember Rebirth. Skill Gained: Phoenix Step. System Evolution +2%]

As dawn painted the illusionary garden gold, Ren held Miralyn close — her breath warm against his collarbone, her heartbeat syncing with his.

And far away, a new portal shimmered open — leading to a storm-ridden mountain.

Another heroine awaited. Another villain-hero stood guard. And Ren Zian, the Chaos-Blessed, was ready.